Where do your guests go right after being served their juicy steak, chicken or pork? If they are like most the guests I have had over, they head straight for the items that will jazz up thier grilled fare. We’re talking about the condiment table. What are you going to have on your table to dazzle your guests taste buds?

Have you noticed that condiments have become trendy and hip? Wassabi Mayo, and Dijon mustards are a standard on the shelves these days, but they aren’t going to impress your guests. Even your closest friends and family will not be thrilled if all they find is ketchup, mustard and mayo to compliment your expertly grilled meats and veggies. You need to use a little creativity and ad a hip flair to what you offer your guests. Here are just a few ideas.

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Serving grilled vegetables and salads? You could create your own dressing to jazz them up. Starting with EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and some vinegar, you can add in a few fresh herbs and seasonings and have a killer house dressing. Fresh ingredients are always best to use, and they are readily available at your local grocery store or fruit market.

Want really fresh hearbs to add? Why not grow your own? No need to run to the store, and growing your own herbs is not only easy but will save you time and money. Need a sprig of Rosemary? Just step out your door and snip one off. All you need is a nice sunny area. Place a few sprigs in a jar with your vinegar and oil mixture. Add a few other of your favorite seasonings and shake. Get yourself a pretty bottle to showcase your signature dressing and display it prominantly on the table for your guests to drizzle over their salads or event their grilled fare.

Want to go above standard relish? You could provide pickle relish for the burgers and hotdogs, but it doesn’t do much for steaks, chicken or pork. For Chicken you may serve up a colorful pico de gallo, or jazz up those pork chops with a tasty peach or tomato relishes. Another great option are the fruity relishes that have the slightest hint of cilantro in them, to combine sweet and zesty for uniqueness.

Looking for a mayo alternative? How about grabbing yourself a container of fat free sour cream, and mixing it up with one of the packet salad dressings, like ranch dressing. Your guests get all the flavor they want and you have saved them a few calories to boot! You can dress it up a bit by dicing up some yellow,green or red peppers to toss into the mix, and you could add in a little onion too. It’s your signature dressing, so create a masterpiece for your guests to enjoy.

Feeling adventurous? How about making your own BBQ sauce? Normally I don’t have the time, but I do dress up a regular old store bought sauce to make it my own. I usually add in a little orange marmalade and it makes the perfect sweet and zesty brush on glaze for pork and chicken.

Whatever your direction your tastes lead you, kick it up a notch. Use a little creativity, and find a taste sensation that is truly your own.

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